Is India too defensive and tolerant when its core national security is

threatened? Has it been a 'soft state' in responding to terrorist provocations

from Pakistan and territorial encroachments from China? Does India lack

a strategic culture of raising the costs of aggression by its two principal

adversaries?

The past record of the Indian state has been questioned on such grounds. But

this changed during the prime ministership of Narendra Modi. Guided by a

'security first' vision and the doctrine of 'offensive defense', his government

sought to alter the strategic calculus of India's opponents by credibly

demonstrating a willingness to use commensurate military force and apply

diplomatic and economic pressure.

Crunch Time: Narendra Modi's National Security Crises offers a comprehensive

analysis of how 'new India' conducted itself during episodes of major national

security crises. It is a testament to how a strong-willed political leadership

with mass social support can transform a country's strategic culture and

deter its foes.